What Are You Reading?

Asphyxia · 17-07-2011 08:25PM

I'm reading Life of Pi - Yann Martel

I found it extremely hard to get into but I pushed myself to keep reading and I'm really enjoying it now, I'm on chapter 61 and have less than 200 pages left to go

Ally7 · 17-07-2011 08:39PM

cheesefiend wrote: »

I'm reading The Kite Runner at the moment. God, it's amazing. I keep having to take little breaks from it because I find it too intense. Props to almostnever for giving it, and a few other very enjoyable books, to me.

Loved this book so much! You should read A Thousand Splendid Suns after if you haven't read it yet, it's by the same author and I thought it was even better.

Duffy the Vampire Slayer · 17-07-2011 09:53PM

I wish I could wipe all knowledge of Harry Potter from my mind and start the books from scratch.

Asphyxia · 17-07-2011 09:55PM

Duffy the Vampire Slayer wrote: »

I wish I could wipe all knowledge of Harry Potter from my mind and start the books from scratch.

Yes! That would be wonderful

Getting lost in those books for the first time again would be unbelievable

I'm totally going to read them all again soon.

cheesefiend · 17-07-2011 10:17PM

Ally7 wrote: »

Loved this book so much! You should read A Thousand Splendid Suns after if you haven't read it yet, it's by the same author and I thought it was even better.

Yeah, I definitely will. I finished it last night and there were times when i was reading it where I was actually screaming out loud DON'T DO IT... YOU BASTARD... etc

It really is a fantastic book.

I think I'm going to start A Confederacy of Dunces tomorrow. Looking forward to it, although I'm not really sure what to expect.

forfcksake · 17-07-2011 10:26PM

I'm reading Lance Armstrongs - Not About the Bike, its a fantastic book hard to put it down, brilliantly wrote and insightful!

bythewoods · 18-07-2011 12:12AM

I'm reading "The Road" by Cormac Mc Carthy. I've seen the film (which I thought was pretty crap) but my friend is INSISTENT I read the book before I pass further judgement.

I'm about 100 pages in and admittedly the style of writing is quite lovely, and I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would. I'm on a great readin' buzz at the moment, so hopefully I'll have it finished in a day or two.

KnifeWRENCH · 18-07-2011 01:01AM

bythewoods wrote: »

I'm reading "The Road" by Cormac Mc Carthy. I've seen the film (which I thought was pretty crap) but my friend is INSISTENT I read the book before I pass further judgement.

I'm about 100 pages in and admittedly the style of writing is quite lovely, and I'm enjoying it more than I thought I would. I'm on a great readin' buzz at the moment, so hopefully I'll have it finished in a day or two.

I was the exact opposite; I really enjoyed the film, which made me want to read the book. But then when I read the book I was so underwhelmed by it.

I think it was the whole repetitiveness that annoyed me about it:

They get up. It's dark and miserable. They walk. Kid says something cute. They find shelter. They sleep. They get up. It's dark and miserable.........repeat for the next umpteen pages.

I read it really quickly because I wanted to be over and done with it and move onto something else.

jefreywithonef · 18-07-2011 01:17AM

I read it a couple of weeks ago. I thought it was good, not overwhelmingly so though, had the potential to be much better. In saying that some of the passages were beautifully written, enough to make me want to check out more of McCarthy's work.

Really wanna watch the film for the Nick Cave & Warren Ellis score, Robert Duvall and Viggo but my downloaded file is corrupted or something. Bleh.

Reading Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre at the minute. I'm such a slow reader but it's great so far, pretty amusing in places and I'm loving the forays into slightly controversial territory.

EuropeanSon · 18-07-2011 11:09AM

Just finished A Dance with Dragons. I was slightly disappointed by it, mainly because of the fragmented narrative, which has grown more pronounced as Martin introduces more and more characters

without killing others off, and the story now has an irritating number of threads, may of which strike me as superfluous. For example, Jaime and Brienne, Asha and the other Greyjoys, and the extended stupidity of the many subordinates of Jon at the Wall who insist on things that make no logical sense, such as turning down thousands of allies against what is clearly their main enemy, the Others. Also, Stannis' queen and her rettinue. Why did Jon insist on toadying to them? Also, Danaerys locking up her dragons for ages seemed a very unbelievable storyline. One minute they were her children, the next she's locking them up and throwing away the key, without even trying intermediate measures like seeing if she's able to control them (which, as her tussle with Drogon proved, she was). She strikes me as a bit of a Ned Stark, in that she's terrible at getting necessary things done and ruling peacefully (why keep the pits closed for so long?) even if she is well-intentioned. I assume Aegon will end up as King, and she'll die in a blaze of glory somewhere.

I really hope he manages to finish it in seven books, too, and doesn't end up like Jordan, dragging it out well past the bitter end.

\rant

Asphyxia · 18-07-2011 12:17PM

I started Eat, Pray, Love - Elizabeth Gilbert :rolleyes: I have a feeling I'm going to get some looks reading it haha! Well so far it's grand

Lawliet · 18-07-2011 01:14PM

EuropeanSon wrote: »

I really hope he manages to finish it in seven books, too, and doesn't end up like Jordan, dragging it out well past the bitter end.

Heh quite literally in Jordon's case

EuropeanSon · 18-07-2011 01:42PM

Lawliet wrote: »

Heh quite literally in Jordon's case

That was partly what I meant.

Aoibheann · 18-07-2011 02:12PM

EuropeanSon wrote: »

Just finished A Dance with Dragons. I was slightly disappointed by it, mainly because of the fragmented narrative, which has grown more pronounced as Martin introduces more and more characters
without killing others off, and the story now has an irritating number of threads, may of which strike me as superfluous. For example, Jaime and Brienne, Asha and the other Greyjoys, and the extended stupidity of the many subordinates of Jon at the Wall who insist on things that make no logical sense, such as turning down thousands of allies against what is clearly their main enemy, the Others. Also, Stannis' queen and her rettinue. Why did Jon insist on toadying to them? Also, Danaerys locking up her dragons for ages seemed a very unbelievable storyline. One minute they were her children, the next she's locking them up and throwing away the key, without even trying intermediate measures like seeing if she's able to control them (which, as her tussle with Drogon proved, she was). She strikes me as a bit of a Ned Stark, in that she's terrible at getting necessary things done and ruling peacefully (why keep the pits closed for so long?) even if she is well-intentioned. I assume Aegon will end up as King, and she'll die in a blaze of glory somewhere.

I really hope he manages to finish it in seven books, too, and doesn't end up like Jordan, dragging it out well past the bitter end.

\rant

I really enjoyed parts of aDwD, but I do agree with you on quite a bit of what you've said! The ironborn have annoyed me since the beginning, but

I did actually really enjoy the "Reek" chapters in this book. I think they were actually among the strongest chapters of Dance. As well as that, the book added to the theory that Jon is Azor Azai reborn. The wounds were smoking - "born amidst smoke..", that Melissandre's flames kept revealing Jon when she was seeking Stannis as Azor Azai.. There was a few more hints, but then it could all just be diversionary tactics. I hope it's not Daenarys, I'm getting rather tired of her. She just did not progress in this book! Also, what if Aegon is a fake - the whole "mummer's dragon" thing? He could well have been raised believing he's a Targaryen, but knowing Varys...

So yeah, the book really added to all the crackpot theories! :pac:

EuropeanSon · 18-07-2011 02:37PM

Aoibheann wrote: »

I really enjoyed parts of aDwD, but I do agree with you on quite a bit of what you've said! The ironborn have annoyed me since the beginning, but
I did actually really enjoy the "Reek" chapters in this book. I think they were actually among the strongest chapters of Dance. As well as that, the book added to the theory that Jon is Azor Azai reborn. The wounds were smoking - "born amidst smoke..", that Melissandre's flames kept revealing Jon when she was seeking Stannis as Azor Azai.. There was a few more hints, but then it could all just be diversionary tactics. I hope it's not Daenarys, I'm getting rather tired of her. She just did not progress in this book! Also, what if Aegon is a fake - the whole "mummer's dragon" thing? He could well have been raised believing he's a Targaryen, but knowing Varys...

So yeah, the book really added to all the crackpot theories! :pac:

I'm fairly sure that Jon has to be Azor Azai, otherwise he's dead? Stannis naturally can't be (I expect he's dead too, though Ramsay's means of victory, if the letter is true, will be interesting to learn).

Daenarys regressed, if anything, I think, though I did love the scene with her mounting Drogon for the first time. Daario was a completely pointless and improbable character, I think. Daenarys' morals, if it is the same Daenarys of previous books, should have made her hate or at least severely mistrust him. I'd have liked if Tyrion had met up with her, too, as that would have been fun. Arya was great too, though how she reintegrates with the main story is puzzling. I love the Faceless Men regardless, though.

I don't think Aegon is fake. The dragon needs its three heads, after all, and Aegon seems as good a candidate as any, possibly with Jon Snow as the third, if he is Azor Azai. It was a shame we didn't get more of Bran, too.

Aoibheann · 18-07-2011 03:01PM

EuropeanSon wrote: »

I'm fairly sure that Jon has to be Azor Azai, otherwise he's dead? Stannis naturally can't be (I expect he's dead too, though Ramsay's means of victory, if the letter is true, will be interesting to learn).

Daenarys regressed, if anything, I think, though I did love the scene with her mounting Drogon for the first time. Daario was a completely pointless and improbable character, I think. Daenarys' morals, if it is the same Daenarys of previous books, should have made her hate or at least severely mistrust him. I'd have liked if Tyrion had met up with her, too, as that would have been fun. Arya was great too, though how she reintegrates with the main story is puzzling. I love the Faceless Men regardless, though.

I don't think Aegon is fake. The dragon needs its three heads, after all, and Aegon seems as good a candidate as any, possibly with Jon Snow as the third, if he is Azor Azai. It was a shame we didn't get more of Bran, too.

I'm almost certain he's Azor Azai anyway, but most people don't seem to believe me.. It took a while to convince people of the whole real parents theory too though so I can work on that! I weirdly kinda hope Stannis isn't dead - I'm not even sure why myself! I suspect that, like a lot of things Ramsey has said, there's some truth and quite a bit of crap in that letter!

I agree on her character regressing, and on Daario being kinda useless - and certainly I would never have pictured Daenerys trusting him. That threw me quite a bit. I really didn't enjoy her chapters, it just didn't seem like the path she was going to follow prior to Dance. I'm also curious as to how Arya gets back into the main story, but I suspect that, much like the rest of her story, it'll be rather entertaining!

I'm in no way certain that he's a fake, it was just the "mummer's dragon" comment from back in a Clash of Kings re-iterated here that caught my attention. He could well be the real thing, of course, but I would actually enjoy a good fake more! I'm almost certain that the three dragon riders don't have to be Targaryen, I believe Martin may have alluded to that before - I'll check that out! I think Bran would be a suitable candidate if Targaryen blood is not required.. >_>

Also, Lord Manderley, how AWESOME was that?

EuropeanSon · 18-07-2011 03:41PM

Aoibheann wrote: »

I'm almost certain he's Azor Azai anyway, but most people don't seem to believe me.. It took a while to convince people of the whole real parents theory too though so I can work on that! I weirdly kinda hope Stannis isn't dead - I'm not even sure why myself! I suspect that, like a lot of things Ramsey has said, there's some truth and quite a bit of crap in that letter!

I agree on her character regressing, and on Daario being kinda useless - and certainly I would never have pictured Daenerys trusting him. That threw me quite a bit. I really didn't enjoy her chapters, it just didn't seem like the path she was going to follow prior to Dance. I'm also curious as to how Arya gets back into the main story, but I suspect that, much like the rest of her story, it'll be rather entertaining!

I'm in no way certain that he's a fake, it was just the "mummer's dragon" comment from back in a Clash of Kings re-iterated here that caught my attention. He could well be the real thing, of course, but I would actually enjoy a good fake more! I'm almost certain that the three dragon riders don't have to be Targaryen, I believe Martin may have alluded to that before - I'll check that out! I think Bran would be a suitable candidate if Targaryen blood is not required.. >_>

Also, Lord Manderley, how AWESOME was that?

Manderley was excellent. I wondered how Davos would survive. I had also thought, at the wedding feast when they mentioned that Manderly was supplying all the food, that he'd have poisoned it all and killed everyone, even himself, but alas, that never came to pass. He's like Doran Martell, in a way. Patient but unyielding.

I don't see any further use for Stannis, TBH. Bringing Melisandre to Jon seemed to be him serving his purpose. Similarly, Cersei should have been killed off by the High Septon. The whole Qyburn necromancy thing seems so unlikely, given the increased influence of the Faith and the likelihood that they'd investigate what happened to the Blue Bard and deal with Qyburn accordingly.

Also, I loved Wun Weg Wun Dar Wun. An excellent inclusion. Jon has to come into his true powers as a warg soon, though. I imagine that's how he'll tame his dragon, if he gets one. That also lends credence to the Bran theory, as with him being promised flight being such a repetitive theme, in addition to his supreme ability as a skinchanger, I think there's got to be more to it than ravens and crows. Bran, Jon and Danaerys, then?

This page will be nothing but spoilers at this rate!

Jackobyte · 18-07-2011 04:07PM

EuropeanSon wrote: »

This page will be nothing but spoilers at this rate!

Must not read spoilers...

EuropeanSon · 18-07-2011 04:13PM

Jackobyte wrote: »

Must not read spoilers...

Definitely don't! They are colossal plot spoilers for pretty much every book in the series.

Edit: How did you quote me without reading the spoilers?

Jackobyte · 18-07-2011 04:29PM

EuropeanSon wrote: »

Definitely don't! They are colossal plot spoilers for pretty much every book in the series.

Edit: How did you quote me without reading the spoilers?

Scrolled straight to the bottom, read backwards to [noparse][/spoiler] and then highlighted from there to

EuropeanSon wrote:

while staring blankly at the screen.[/noparse]

I'm a third through A Clash of Kings using my phone as an ebook reader and the actual book along rest of the series up to A Feast of Crows should be arriving from Book Depository should be arriving in the next few days. I got the split version of A Storm of Swords. Does this make a difference to the reading of it or is it just cut down the middle?

Jackobyte · 21-07-2011 07:07PM

Jackobyte wrote: »

I'm a third through A Clash of Kings using my phone as an ebook reader and the actual book along rest of the series up to A Feast of Crows should be arriving from Book Depository should be arriving in the next few days. I got the split version of A Storm of Swords. Does this make a difference to the reading of it or is it just cut down the middle?

A Clash of Kings arrived today so I can properly get into it now. Reading from a screen just doesn't seem right.

Does the split version of A Storm of Swords make any difference to the whole flowingness of the story?

EuropeanSon · 21-07-2011 07:21PM

Jackobyte wrote: »

A Clash of Kings arrived today so I can properly get into it now. Reading from a screen just doesn't seem right.

Does the split version of A Storm of Swords make any difference to the whole flowingness of the story?

I don't think so. I haven't read the single volume version, but I'd imagine they are the same.

Asphyxia · 22-07-2011 06:13PM

I never got a chance to get to the library today

I think I might re-read something short tonight and head up early tomorrow. Looking through my books I think I'll give Dubliners - James Joyce another go.

Insect Overlord · 22-07-2011 07:27PM

Asphyxia wrote: »

Looking through my books I think I'll give Dubliners - James Joyce another go.

I'm 10 pages away from finishing that!

I was supposed to read it in first year in college though... >_<

RolandIRL · 22-07-2011 07:50PM

was going to start A Game of Thrones today but was checked out of the library

Asphyxia · 23-07-2011 02:32AM

Insect Overlord wrote: »

I'm 10 pages away from finishing that!
I was supposed to read it in first year in college though... >_<

Yeah it's a good book I'm going to re-read it, I'm about 50 pages away from finishing Ulysses and from all the hype surrounding that book I'm a bit disappointed. I really went into it with a great mind even spent the time translating and everything. Don't get me wrong I thought it was grand but I think I would have enjoyed it more if there hadn't been all the madness about it.

Jamie Starr · 23-07-2011 12:17PM

whadabouchasir wrote: »

His descriptions of clothes did get on my nerves a bit and it is quite a difficult read,but still a very good book.

The point of the obsessive description of clothing is to draw you more into the mindset of this neurotic, socially twisted individual. It's the same reason the scene where Patrick seethes with jealousy because his business card isn't as good as the others. It all contributes to this vacuous character we grow to detest.

It is funny the horrible violence of the book seems to be much more digestable than the clothing descriptions for some people!:)

Banjo Fella · 23-07-2011 01:07PM

I've been reading Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander Rowling! I only recently discovered that she had written other supplemental Harry Potter books prior to The Tales of Beedle the Bard, which makes me a very poor sort of fan, I suppose. Luckily, my brother has copies of both, so that's my next few days' worth of delight sorted out. I feel guilty about reading borrowed copies considering how the proceeds for the books go to charity, so I'd better buy my own ones once I'm done.

Also, with the exams coming up, I've been reading the dreadfully exciting Linear Partial Differential Equations for Scientists and Engineers. The laughs are thinly distributed, and I feel like they're at my expense.

wayhey · 23-07-2011 05:38PM

Finally finished "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman. I was a little bit disappointed by it to be honest. I felt that it only picked up its pace in the last 100 pages or so. Although once you found out stuff like

Wednesday was Shadow's father, Low Key's true identity or that the entire battle between the gods was orchestrated

it did make me admire Gaiman. He'd obviously carefully crafted everything together and it was so simple I felt really stupid I hadn't twigged it, I'm usually able to unravel things myself before they're revealed.

However, I couldn't help but feel that as I was reading it Gaiman's writing was a little bit overrated. I think it was the narrative style that annoyed me, that just expressly explains things without leaving you to make your own mind up about things or people. I'm not really explaining myself well, but I got the impression Gaiman lays out an amazing blueprint for a story but, for me, his execution isn't perfect. It's too explicit, too dumbed-down in places, in the writing itself. I did read the "author's preferred text" (I think that was the one published in the UK anyway in 2001) that had an extra 1200 words or so, but I found the book too long and a little self-indulgent. I loved the missing girls subplot and it did get exciting as it reached its conclusion but I felt that it was just left there and then you came back to it when the main event of the book was over.

Maybe someone else who's read the book can explain its weaknesses better than I can

I'm sure there's people who love it and maybe I'll read it again and appreciate it more but I felt, more often than not, frustrated when reading it myself.

Aoibheann · 23-07-2011 07:49PM

I loved American Gods - must read it again actually - but I really love Gaiman's style of writing, and it's not for everyone. I like the humour, the simplicity of the style while the plot is so intricate.. Suits me down to a tee! Gaiman's short stories are wonderful, if you'd like to see if you might enjoy some of his other material? I'd recommend Fragile Things anyway in case you'd like to give him another shot!

Also, only a few more days until another much-anticipated book for me! \o/ Ghost Story by Jim Butcher is out this coming week. My two favourite authors releasing books within about two weeks of each other is just wonderful.

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